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Palestinian Embassy Opens in London After UK Recognition

UK officials cast the upgrade as the start of a step change in relations, with questions remaining over reciprocal representation.

Overview

  • Ambassador Husam Zomlot unveiled a new plaque at the Hammersmith premises, marking full diplomatic status for the Embassy of the State of Palestine.
  • The opening follows the UK’s September 2025 recognition of Palestinian statehood on 1967 borders, with Alistair Harrison calling the event a moment of hope and the beginning of a step change.
  • The site has long served as the Palestinian diplomatic base in Britain, and attendees included British Palestinians, medics who worked in Gaza, and evacuees such as 14-year-old Obaidah who addressed the crowd.
  • The Foreign Office has not confirmed establishing a British embassy in the Palestinian territories despite the upgrade in London.
  • The ceremony took place during a fragile Gaza ceasefire and after the London mission was recently defaced, while Israeli leaders have publicly opposed recognition moves.